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Clippers activate Rottino; Murata to DL

By: Jim Massie

The Columbus Dispatch - June 29, 2012 04:52 PM

The Clippers activated Vinny Rottino today and placed pitcher Toru Murata on the 7-day disabled
list with a strained groin.

The Cleveland Indians claimed Rottino, 32, off waivers from the New York Mets on Wednesday.
His addition gives Columbus manager Mike Sarbaugh one of the most versatile players that he has had
in three seasons with the Clippers.

"He plays all three out field positions, first, third and catch," Sarbaugh said. "He caught 40
games at triple-A last year. It's nice to have."

Rottino is playing right field and batting sixth in tonight's 7:05 game against Norfolk in
Huntington Park.

Murata joined the Clippers yesterday from double-A Akron and started the game against
the Norfolk Tides. He left with two outs in the fourth inning after throwing one pitch to
Scott Thomas.

After the game, which began with a 100-degree reading on the thermometer, Sarbaugh said
that Murata's problem was thought to be leg cramps. The cramps turned into a groin strain
today.

His absence won't be felt in the rotation. The Clippers began working with a six-man rotation
after the Indians claimed Chris Schwinden off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays two weeks ago. The
Tribe designated Schwinden for assignment to make 40-man roster room for Rottino. He was claimed
today by the New York Yankees.

Rottino has split this season with the Mets and Buffalo Bisons. He batted .182 in 18 games for
New York. He has played seven seasons at the triple-A level and has a .294 average at this level
with 41 home runs and 237 RBI. He is in the lineup for the 7:05 p.m. game with the Tides.